Good news for Canadian parents—starting September 2025, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is going up again. With rising inflation hitting everything from groceries to rent, this increase is meant to give families some breathing room. If you’re already receiving CCB or planning to apply, it’s time to understand what’s changing, how much more you could get, and when the money lands in your account.
Let’s break down the latest update from CRA and what it means for you.
Table of Contents
Changes
So, what’s new this year? For the 2025–2026 benefit year, the CCB amounts are being increased to match inflation. This adjustment kicks in with the September 2025 payment and is based on your 2024 tax return.
The CCB continues to be a tax-free monthly benefit for families with children under 18. Its goal is simple—help reduce the cost of raising kids, especially when times are tough.
Amounts
Here are the updated CCB payment amounts starting September 2025:
| Child Age Group | Max Monthly Payment (Per Child) | Max Annual Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 Years | $663.50 | $7,962.00 |
| 6 to 17 Years | $560.75 | $6,729.00 |
These are the maximum benefits for families with an adjusted net income below $34,863. If your income is higher, the benefit reduces gradually—so don’t worry if your numbers look different.
Schedule
The first payment reflecting the new rates will be issued on:
September 20, 2025
Here’s how it typically works:
- Direct Deposit: The fastest method—money usually appears in your bank account on the same day.
- Mailed Cheque: Takes a bit longer, often arriving within 3–5 business days.
To avoid delays, make sure your direct deposit info and contact details are up to date in your CRA My Account.
Updates
There are a few notable changes to the CCB program this year:
- Simplified Applications for Newcomers
New immigrants with children now have an easier application process with less paperwork and faster processing. - Retroactive Claims Now Go Back 3 Years
Missed a past payment? You can now request backdated benefits for up to 3 years—great news for families who’ve fallen through the cracks. - Higher Income Thresholds
The CRA has adjusted income brackets to reflect inflation. That means more middle-income families now qualify for partial benefits.
Checklist
Want to make sure you get your full CCB without hiccups? Here’s your quick checklist:
- File your 2024 tax return on time
- Update your CRA My Account for any life changes
- Report new births, custody changes, or address updates
- Sign up for direct deposit to avoid cheque delays
Remember, even if you didn’t earn income in 2024, filing your taxes is still required to qualify.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit if:
- You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- You live with a child under age 18
- You’re primarily responsible for that child’s care
- You and/or your spouse filed your 2024 tax return
It’s that simple. No need to be employed or earn income—you just need to file.
The upcoming CCB increase in September 2025 is a welcome relief for families facing the squeeze of inflation. With higher maximums, easier access for newcomers, and retroactive claims now available, the program is evolving to better support Canadian households. Take a few minutes to review your CRA details and make sure you’re ready to receive your increased payment this fall.